SE7 Surrey council initiative to save jobs & cut costs

[Lilly]

Did anyone read the article on Surrey Herald (http://www.surreyherald.co.uk/surrey-news/news-surrey/2010/03/26/county-teams-up-with-neighbours-to-save-cash-86289-26118604/) about the council joining a team of other councils to save money? :)

The SE7 Consortium will be led by Surrey and East Sussex and will include West Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, Medway and Brighton and Hove.

These council will together investigate areas where they can combine their resources, bulk-buy in areas such as highway construction and maintenance, education facilities, waste management and IT.

I find it very interesting that the council is thinking of new and innovative ways to cut on costs. Especially with the elections nearing and the Budget that has been announced, it is apparent that what we need in the public sector is initiative, and lots of it.

Although the Budget indicates massive areas where the public sector can cut on cost, it is additional cost saving from the SE7 that will make a difference between Surrey jobs (http://www.careersandjobsuk.com/surrey-jobs) in the public sector.

On the other hand it is obvious that when services are shared, that quality standards could be affected, so I’m hoping that this won’t be the case with SE7.

However, it is good to hear that the process will incorporate an investigation first. Bulk-buying will definitely save money and hopefully in the long run our council won’t have to lay-off people which will be fantastic news, don’t you think? :D

[Josie]

This sound slike a very good idea to me - but I wonder will it lower council tax payments at all???? Hmmm....

Also do you think it will affect services in any way?

I think if they are joining forces to cut costs then it is brilliant as long as it does not affect services and or jobs! What do you say?

[Lilly]

I have no idea, as long as they aren't cutting any jobs, I would say go for it. If they only use the method to buy bulk and share knowledge and plan better, it is definitely a fantastic idea, but when you reach the point where 5 million people will need to share the same services it will definitely affect service delivery and time.

And you have to think about the fact that when resources are shared, there will be some jobs (http://www.careersandjobsuk.com) affected by it in the long run, not within the public sector but within other sectors providing the services etc...

But I am proud to be from a county that actually creates solutions to issues at hand, instead of moan or demand more council tax!
xxx

[Josie]

Yes but like you say in the long-term there are sure to be some cuts in jobs in one way or another don't you think?

Services will definately be affected - I would like to see this not happen haha! It may be mean but its what i think unfortunately!

It all seems to good to be true if I am honest! I mean seriously how can this be good all around? What will happen to the money they save????

Hmmmm - more money for the council Christmas party maybe?

[Lilly]

Who knows! Maybe it is just a nice trick prior to the elections to make them seem innovative! Or maybe this will truly save money which will help them not having to cut any of their staff. I would like to see money and jobs saved as well as see that no services are affected through it, but maybe that is asking too much...;)

[Josie]

I am with you here Lilly I would love to see it happen and be a success with no impact on jobs but can't help but think of the reality of the matter! I guess its all about seeing what happens after the elections really isn't it? I mean who can be sure what the outcome will be?

[Lilly]

Nobody! I can tell you this, which ever way it goes...things will change but I'm not at liberty to say if it will change for the better or worst. I guess that depends on who will win, and that is a complete mystery....

[Josie]

Yeah but all parties at the moment have their pros and cons! There is no clear winner in this election really is there? Not one of them stands out and makes me think yes they will make a difference! But oh well what can we do? Someone has to get the job right?

[Lilly]

And the worst of it all is that at the end of the day it is only a job. None of us takes our jobs home or need to defend yourself around every corner. A true leader isn't appointed they are born that way and although it is a massive responsibility (not that I will ever know how huge) these three candidates claim to be UP for it. On the one hand I think a breath of fresh air into the steering seat would be best. Someone who hasn't mucked up...but on the other hand not really knowing if a candidates words turns into actions are daunting as well. Wonder who the queen would pick...hee-hee

[Josie]

Hehe I doubt we will ever find out! she has to remain neutral doesn't she?

What do you think of todays results?

[daisy]

I am abit skeptic on this one.